The Kobzar Literary Award: Illuminating the Ukrainian Canadian experience

The Kobzar Literary Award is unique in the crowded field of Canadian literary prizes. Awarded every two years, the $25,000 prize recognises literary excellence and the effective presentation of Ukrainian Canadian themes. As a cross-genre award, submissions are accepted in fiction, poetry, non-fiction and young adult titles.

This year's shortlist includes:

Larissa Andrusyshyn for Mammoth (DC Books)

Myrna Kostash for Prodigal Daughter: A Journey to Byzantium (University of Alberta Press)

Shandi Mitchell for Under This Unbroken Sky (Penguin Canada)

Myroslav Shkandrij for Jews in Ukrainian Literature: Representation and Identity (Yale University Press)

Shevchenko Foundation President Andrew Hladyshevsky says of the award and its unique role in the Canadian literary landscape:

“When the Shevchenko Foundation initiated our $25,000 Kobzar Literary Award in 2003, we envisioned that the Canadian literary landscape would be enriched with as yet untold stories about the experiences of Canadian Ukrainians. We expect theme-driven manuscripts to be submitted from all Canadian authors who accept the challenge of researching and developing innovative narratives with Canadian Ukrainian themes.”

Stay tuned to Open Book for the March 1 evening prize announcement and photos from the award reception.

Sam Sutherland's new book, Perfect Youth: The Birth of Canadian Punk (ECW Press), covers the origins, myths and general badass-ery of the punk movement in Canada, beginning in the late 70s with stories of bands like D.O.A., the Subhumans, the Viletones and Teenage Head, as well as lesser-known acts.

Sam tells Open Book the story of where and how Perfect Youth came together as part of our At the Desk series. From hot toddies and kitchen mice to Machete and food poisoning, read on to hear about Sam's experiences writing, touring and (hopefully) avoiding a stint in Russian prison.